Georgia Southern University’s Center for Social Gerontology will host its third annual Social Gerontology Community Conference at the Nessmith-Lane Center in Statesboro on Oct. 12.

This one-day conference is designed to help professionals working in the field of aging to learn about best practices in supporting the needs of older adults and their caregivers. Presentations focus on issues such as end-of-life care, professional practice, older adult living, caregiving, mental health care, and Alzheimer's disease and older forms of dementia. Older adults and caregivers are also encouraged to attend. Students will be given the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.

Jennifer Zorotovich, Ph.D., will be the 2018 keynote speaker. Zorotovich is an assistant professor of child and family development at Georgia Southern and a volunteer for Ogeechee Area Hospice, where she provides companion support to those living with terminal illnesses. She will lead attendees through the sensory declines commonly associated with aging. The aging simulation keynote will also give participants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and analyze the stereotypes associated with aging and the effects of those stereotypes.

The third annual social gerontology community conference is eligible for National Association of Social Workers, Area Health Education Centers and Licensed Professional Counselors Association, continuing education unit hours. It is also sponsored by Magnolia Coastlands AHEC, the Understanding Dementia & Alzheimer’s Conference and the Georgia Gerontology Society.

Those interested in registering may visit the conference website at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/conted/socialgerontology. Students and those 65 and older receive an exclusive, discounted rate.